Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory Achieves PFAS Certification, Expanding Critical Water Testing Capabilities
Local testing capability for PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals’) strengthens regional efforts to safeguard drinking water.
March 3, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory is proud to announce that it has been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental protection for the analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water. This achievement positions the laboratory as one of only five in Massachusetts equipped to conduct PFAS testing, a vital step in addressing the region’s growing concerns over water contamination.
PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of human-made compounds found in a wide range of consumer products, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. These chemicals have been linked to various health risks, including liver damage, immune system disruptions, and increased risk of certain cancers. Due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS contamination has emerged as a significant public health challenge.
With its newly acquired certification, the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory will play a critical role in monitoring PFAS levels in local water sources. This capability is essential for ensuring compliance with evolving state and federal drinking water regulations and providing municipalities, water departments, and private well owners with reliable data to safeguard public health.
“Achieving PFAS certification is a major milestone for our laboratory and for Barnstable County as a whole,” said Dan White, Director of the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory. “This certification allows us to provide accurate, timely testing services to help communities and homeowners identify and mitigate potential PFAS contamination in their drinking water.”
The availability of in-County PFAS testing will offer significant benefits for Cape Cod residents. Homeowners with private wells will have access to reliable and affordable testing services without the need to send samples out of state, reducing wait times for results. Additionally, municipal water suppliers and environmental agencies will be able to conduct more frequent monitoring, enabling faster response to potential contamination events and improving long-term water quality management efforts.
The cost for PFAS testing and analysis is $265. This price covers the analysis of 18 PFAS compounds, including six that are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP). Results are available within 15 business days.
For more information about the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory, PFAS, and PFAS testing, as well as other analytical services provided, please visit www.capecod.gov/waterlab, or call us at (508) 375-6605.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) provides regional public health and environmental health services throughout the 15 towns comprising Barnstable County. The Department manages several environmental, public health, and homeland security grants funded through state and federal resources. The Department’s primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of Barnstable County residents.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD:
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
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